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“The most ridiculous routing ever” -- lawmaker Michael Tien Puk-sun slammed the idea of connecting the proposed Northern Link to the MTR East Rail Line, saying the railway can hardly handle the surge in ridership.

This year's policy address proposed five railway projects. One suggestion is to extend the proposed Northern Link eastwards, connecting it to the existing East Rail Line at Lo Wu station.

Speaking in a Legislative Council meeting on Tuesday, Tien slammed the proposed routing as “the most ridiculous” he ever heard.

The former KCR chairman said it is impossible for the East Rail Line to handle the additional ridership along the new Northern Link on top of its existing passengers.

He believed passengers at Sha Tin or University stations would hardly be able to get on board under the proposed routing.

In response, Secretary for Transport and Housing Frank Chan Fan said the extension of the Northern Link is a suggestion. The Development Bureau will revise the plan before making a final decision.

Another lawmaker Edward Lau Kwok-fan said Hung Shui Kiu station is expected to be finished in 2030, while the construction for the whole Northern Link will only be completed in 2034.

He was unhappy with the long time needed for finishing the projects, as they can take more than 10 years.

File photo.

Lawmaker slams eastwards extension of Northern Link as "the most ridiculous routing”